-Charles Kettering

It's telling that Kettering, who uttered those words decades and decades ago, is the man who brought us the electric automobile starter, as well as leaded gasoline and Freon. As time has passed, we've learned that change is constant and necessary. While some basic concepts are worth retaining, others need to be updated or cast aside altogether.

As we speak, the times, they are, a'changin'.

The expectations of the web and what it can do are shifting. From YouTube to blogs to other examples of citizen's media and file sharing, the web's a true two-way street. The telecommunications providers need to get used to dealing with new and changing data... and lots of it.

In this issue of Pipeline, we take a look at some of the expectations associated with Web 2.0, and how those will continue to grow and change as the expectations of users do the same. How can networks deal with managing and prioritizing traffic? How can revenue be extracted in ways that keep users connected?

In addition to our own coverage, we'll hear from industry-leading vendors (Alcatel-Lucent, Nokia-Siemens, ConceptWave) on how Web 2.0 is changing the game. We'll also hear about some new and changing technologies (cloud computing, pervasive telecom in the form of red light cameras) and how they're impacting the wider telecommunications field. In addition, we'll speak to Joe Savage, President of the FTTH Council, on how FTTH continues to move the telecom game forward.